November 5, 2024
Municipal News from OSD
In this Issue:
- G.L. c. 149 Decision and Related Resources
- Learn About Joining the State's Natural Gas Statewide Contract
- Express Interest in VEH119 Road Salt
- Heavy-Duty Vehicles through VEH111
- Statewide Contract Updates
- Tell Us About Vendors You Would Like to See on Statewide Contract
- Statewide Contract Reference Sheet
G.L. c. 149 Decision and Related Resources
The Attorney General's Fair Labor Division (AGO) issued a bid protest decision related to public construction contracts, determining that awarding authorities have an obligation to consider all costs, including labor and materials, when estimating the cost of a construction contract for the purposes of soliciting quotes under a Statewide Contract. This decision applies to construction projects between $10,000 and $50,000 effective September 6, 2024.
Related Resources
- OSD's message to Buyers
- Buyer FAQs, including impacted contracts
- Updated guidance in our Contract User Guides
Learn About Joining the State's Natural Gas Statewide Contract
In November 2025, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will launch the ENE56 Natural Gas Statewide Contract, replacing ENE50, to service the natural gas requirements of various Massachusetts public entities expressing interest in ENE56 participation.
Massachusetts cities and towns, public institutions of higher education, public schools, housing authorities, and eligible non-profit organizations holding a commercial account for natural gas may join Executive Departments in taking advantage of the pricing negotiated by the state.
This is your opportunity to lock in advantageous natural gas pricing based on the Commonwealth's collective bargaining power.
Express Interest in VEH119 Road Salt
If your organization is interested in VEH119 road salt deliveries for the 2024-2025 winter season, now is the time to express interest. VEH119 offers three road salt options and competitive pricing.
Watch the VEH119 Road Salt video to learn about a more environmentally preferable road salt option, and refer to the VEH119 Contract User Guide for sign-up information.
Heavy-Duty Vehicles through VEH111
Is your community considering a heavy-duty vehicle or construction equipment purchase?
VEH111 offers a wealth of trucks, paving equipment, utilities equipment, buses, trailers, snow removal equipment, and more.
Explore vehicle options in the VEH111 flyer. Send questions to the Vehicle Acquisition Category Management Team: Kelly Thompson Clark or Nikki Santana.
Statewide Contract Updates
- VEH120 Tires, Tubes, and Services now offers two awarded vendors - Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, each offering a large dealer network for sales, installation, and warranty services.
- In response to several inquires, drones are available for purchase through two Statewide Contracts: HLS06 Homeland Security and Public Safety and PSE01 Public Safety Equipment and Two-Way Radio, Category 3.
- Ready for Winter? Find what you need on Statewide Contract: Snow Removal Services FAC120; Snow Blowers FAC116; Shovels and Ice Melt FAC101, FAC118, FAC119; Reflective Property Markers and Anti-slip Stair Treads HLS06; Indoor Pest Management FAC117; HVAC Products FAC124; HVAC Services TRD01.
Tell Us About Vendors You Would Like to See on Contract
Do you have local vendors that you would like to see on contract?
OSD has posted two Bid Opportunities and several Intent to Bid Notices in COMMBUYS. Please let us know if there are vendors that we should include in our outreach for the following contracts:
- CLT09 Clothing, Uniforms, Footwear, Accessories, Personal Care Products, Bedding
- FAC130 Floorcoverings and Accessories, Floorcovering Installation, Maintenance and Repairs
- GRO42 K-12 School Nutrition Products (featuring fresh produce)
- TRD02 Tradespersons: Asphalt Paving; Carpentry; Excavation; Masonry; Septic Services
- TRD04 Tradespersons: Cleaning Restoration; Compressor; Kitchen Exhaust; Pump and Motor; Roofing; Biohazardous Site Cleaning Services
Send an email to OSDOutreach@mass.gov.
Statewide Contract Reference Sheet
Download the Statewide Contract Reference Sheet, a two-page document which summarizes all Statewide Contracts. This resource is updated every two months.
In line with OSD's category management strategy, the format of the Reference Sheet has changed.
Contact us if you have questions or need assistance:
Eric Murphy, Jennifer Forsey, Jackie Needham, and Patricia Burke